Hiring a Handler or buy a trained dog.... - Page 1

I was hoping for some info on the ins and outs of hiring someone to compete your dog for you.  Due to a severe injury, I am unable do alot of the major training (like for SchH).  Even if I were to purchase a dog that already trained, I'm not sure that I would be able to do it.

What are the rules/guidelines/proceedures for having someone compete your dog(s) for you?

It's no problem to have someone train/compete your dog for you, if that's what you wish.  The only thing you're not eligible for will be any HOT (Handler/Owner Trained) awards.

I'm sure people will tell you oh, there's nothing like the bond training with your own dog....ok, fine.  There is certainly truth to that.  But you know, I'm training my own dogs now.  AKC stuff I can rock, the SchH stuff not so much.  I've often thought that this dog I have now could truly go FAR if he had a better handler/trainer than I am, and in justice to his breeder, his pedigree, and to him, wouldn't it be nice to see just how far he could go, and how good he could be?  I'm fortunate in that I have very close by more than one very good trainer available if I wanted to take that route, and after titling, my dog would live with me the rest of his life and we could bond and play and even trial if we wanted.  He would be/is my companion and best buddy.

In the end I've decided to work hard to up my training learning curve and put in more effort, but it's the truth that he probably would do much better competition-wise with a professional trainer.  All that to say that IMHO it's great if you decide to take that route, for whatever reason.  Find a trainer with a superb reputation and enjoy watching your dog compete to his best.  After his competition career you will have a lovely, trained companion (of course I'm sure that you'll do the work to learn to work with him after he's trained if you want to keep up his training).

While I agree with Tess to a degree, I'd have to say that the downside, unless you're planning to breed, would be expense.  It's always a joy to have a well trained dog, not matter who the handler.  But, you can train (or have someone else handle) in a cheaper discipline (such as OB), with the same result, if all you want is a well behaved companion.  If expense is not an issue, go for it!  JMO

GSD and Tess,
Thank you both for your responses. 

GSD - eventually, it would be for breeding purposes.  I've trained in SchH before, (never competed), and am very familiar with the extensive hard work put into it.  Unfortunately,  with my injuries, I know that I will never be able to put that into it.  And I fully understand the expense, but that won't be an issue for me. 

To explain a little.  I was in a severe car accident about a year ago.  Tore my quad muscle completely up.  I've had surg., but the Dr.'s say that I will never have full use of my leg again.  I can do the training to a point, but not to the extent that would be needed.  So would it be better to purchase a dog that is older and already had some training under his belt, or buy a puppy and do what i can in training and then hand the dog off to someone else to finish and compete with?

If you're purchasing for breeding, I'd say take the dog to it's full potential.  If you enjoy and are able to do part of the training, probably a good idea to hire and work with a handler.  If you feel you're not quite up to hitting the field, purchase already trained, but not nearly as much fun!  Sorry to hear about your injury, sounds painful.